Erica Fernandes and Parth Samthaan are set to dazzle in your drawing rooms from September 25. Parth is confident of his chemistry with the beautiful Erica. Read his EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Kasautii Zindagii Kay is back and so is Anurag Basu, for whom the heart of every girl beat back then, and looks like the history is going to repeat itself as we have Parth Samthaan playing Anurag Basu, this time around. We got in touch with the actor and as he got up and personal, much was spilled out, from his character to co-star Erica Fernandes, and the Balaji honcho Ekta Kapoor herself.

P.S. There’s some exclusive info on Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan 4 too. Read on for a juicy ride ahead with the new Anurag Basu.

Ssharad Malhotra, Barun Sobti; you beat quite some big names to become Anurag Basu. How does it feel?Honestly I didn’t even know who all were running the race because that time I was holding in the US. I even don’t know how did it happen, you need to ask the production. All I know is I was back there in America when I got call from the production team and then channel itself. After five days I was back in Mumbai, met them and everything went smooth and quick. Iske alava show ki casting ko lekar pehle kya hua I have no idea.

Did you have any idea that Ekta was planning for the reboot of Kasautii Zindagii Kay?Not at all! Being an actor, I stay away from TV. I remember, when just five-six days were left of my holidays, they called me and discussed this character and show. And hearing this I immediately called my parents to discuss and they said yes you should not lose the opportunity. My mother was a big fan of the show. She knew how big it was. And then it was coming as another big step (for me) after Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan.

Have you watched Shweta Tiwari and Cezzane Khan starrer Kasautii Zindagii Kay?Of course! Who hasn’t? I remember when we used to come from school or even from playground, it used to be on. Not only Kasautii Zindagii Kay but also Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi; Balaji had its own era. If we still remember all the names and character so well, it was clearly an era. And yes we are coming back with this show. It is very special for Ekta Ma’am.

Do you feel under any kind of pressure to meet Ekta’s expectations?Yes, she keeps saying it’s close to my heart. And I want to make sure it remains that special.

Did you follow the performance of Cezzane before sinking your teeth into the character of Anurag Basu?Though I have seen him previously but after coming on board this show I have seen few episodes, just for reference, on Hotstar. Because at that time, I was a kid and did not religiously follow the show. What I like in the character is the innocence he had on his face and the way he used to give respect to others. So one-two physical traits of the character’s behaviour... I have incorporated from him. And of course I don’t want to keep everything similar nahi to log bolenge I am copying him. I want my character to have his own identity and I have designed it in such a way. Also in this journey is our creatives’ and director’s (Muzammil Desai) support.

Are you afraid of the comparisons between you and Cezzane?To be honest, I never felt that pressure. But, now for the last two-three days while unveiling our statues as symbol of love, I can feel what high expectations I have to meet. It is kind of an inspiration to me. Yes, I take it as an inspiration and source of motivation which I have to deliver upon.

Let’s talk about Kaisi Yeh Yaariyian. Fans are waiting for season 4. Any update on that?I have discussed with them and they were also keen to make Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan Season 4. But unfortunately dates clashed and also the fact that it was a competitor’s channel. It’s their decision at the end of the day. I would love to do season 4. Hamne koshish bhi ki figure out karne ki kahan ham time nikal sakte hain. But a very slight possibility is there. So let’s see if it gets worked ahead. Right now I have to focus only on Kasautii.

Any special thing you have learnt to make this Anurag memorable one?That’s a secret (laughs).

How similar would you say Parth Samthaan and Anurag Basu are?I would say they are totally different because Anurag Basu is very punctual and respects the ones who are on time. And in my case time aur Parth alag alag chalte hai (laughs). However, now I am trying to learn it from my reel life character.

Tell us something about your chemistry with Erica Fernandes.That you will get to see in the show. And off screen if you ask we didn’t know each other before the show, even after being in the same industry. Our first interaction happened while we shooting for the promo together. When I met her I found that she is a wonderful person. Also, a great co-actor.

Is it difficult to make Ekta Kapoor happy?Actually it’s not about khush karna mushkil hai. It’s about the fact that she has been there for a long time and she has given the most successful shows, iconic shows I would say. So matching her expectations is difficult not only for me but for everyone as she is so perfect in her job. In a good way, she pressurises everyone to get what she wants and if she gets what she wants then the audience gets the best. So at the end of the day it works in everyone’s favour. Even if she is not happy with any particular scene, she makes sure that it turns out the best before it gets aired. She is a perfectionist, I would say because she wants her scenes to come out the way she has visualised them.

Have people already started calling you Anurag Basu?Yes, people have started calling me Anurag and I am getting used to it. Especially on the sets. Shuru mein thoda ajeeb laga but now I am used to it. Also, my mother in the show calls me ‘Onu’ in fact everyone has started calling me that, in a nicer way. Just getting hang of it.

Well, we wish Parth al the very best. After this interaction, we surely cannot wait to watch him in action as Anurag Basu in Kasautii Zindagii Kay which will premiere on 25th September.

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